[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 213 (Thursday, December 9, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1347-E1348]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LANCASTER PUBLIC LIBRARY

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                           HON. CHRIS JACOBS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 9, 2021

  Mr. JACOBS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
Lancaster Public Library in the Town of Lancaster, New York on its 
bicentennial anniversary.
  The Lancaster Public Library was founded in 1821 as the ``Cayuga 
Creek Veterans' Library Society'' in honor of the estimated forty 
veterans from the American Revolution and War of 1812 that founded the 
library. The library grew considerably over the years, moving from the 
Johnson School House to the Lancaster Presbyterian Church in 1832. It 
then moved to the Town Hall in 1896 and then to the Potter Estate in 
1940 after the residence was donated by Mrs. Fanny Potter Eaton. In 
1947, the growing Village of Depew located within the Town of Lancaster 
opened its own branch library, enabling even more Western New Yorkers 
to read and learn. By 1964, the Depew branch had opened its own 
exclusive facility until the Lancaster and Depew libraries merged in 
2005.
  Today, the Lancaster Public Library is one of the most vibrant and 
community-oriented libraries in the Buffalo and Erie County Public 
Library System. The library hosts various programs for all community 
members to enjoy. In recent years, the library has organized 
institutional staples for children such as story hours, crafting, and 
science activities. For adults the library hosts lectures series from 
local leaders on business, STEM topics, government affairs, and the 
arts. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lancaster Public Library 
worked to provide extensive virtual programming for the residents of 
Lancaster. Additionally, raffles, giveaways, and chicken barbeque 
fundraisers also help to promote the Lancaster Public Library's close-
knit relationship with our community.
  The Lancaster Public Library also partners with other local 
organizations and agencies to enhance their patrons' library 
experiences. Through the Lancaster Historical Society, the library has 
been able to compile photography displays of Lancaster from its humble 
beginnings to the bustling town that it is today. With Frosty's Ice 
Cream, a Lancaster favorite, the library has organized scavenger hunts 
for children with Frosty's coupons as prizes. Finally, the Lancaster 
Public Library has worked closely with the Erie County Department of 
Health to keep community members knowledgeable about COVID-19 and 
vaccinations. The library has forwarded public health directives and 
created public forums for citizens to speak directly with county health 
officials.
  I thank the Lancaster Public Library for its tireless efforts serving 
the community since its founding and I again congratulate the library 
on its bicentennial anniversary.

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